Resilience and celebration on St. Patrick's Day

Yesterday, as I scurried into the store in pursuit of the now-infamous roll of toilet paper, I was greeted by rows of shamrock cookies beautifully decorated with translucent green sprinkles. I had forgotten about St. Patrick’s Day.  On a day usually marked by everything green—rivers and beer included—celebration just doesn’t seem in right order.  Or does it?

The Irish have always been people of resilience; remember the Potato Famine?  While that did shift the terrain of Ireland, it also brought Irish traditions and celebrations to America.  Have you ever been to an Irish wake?  In the midst of grief and sadness for loss, there are stories, songs, and entertainment marked by joy.  And of course, there is plenty of eating and drinking.  The celebration continues.

The phrase “We celebrate _________ (insert word here)" is common vernacular in the Church (i.e. Mass, the Sacraments, the lives of the Saints etc.).  Even Jesus’ first miracle was about keeping the celebration going (see John 2:1-11).  Catholics are a people of celebration. So, why not celebrate today?

So today, on the day when everyone is enlivened to become Irish for just one day — have the Irish Cream flavored coffee, wear green (or your favorite wool cable knit sweater), make Irish cuisine (or order the dish to-go from your favorite local restaurant),  listen to Celtic music and dance along. Embrace celebration in the midst of turmoil — I sure will. 

St. Patrick, pray for us. 

How do you plan to celebrate today and every day?